On the afternoon of 10/3, Vietnam entered their final match with two difficult tasks: limit their loss to Japan to a two-goal margin and rely on India defeating Taiwan 1-0. Ultimately, neither scenario unfolded. Taiwan secured a 3-1 victory over India, while Vietnam, despite their considerable effort, fell 0-4 to Japan.

Vietnamese players struggled defensively in their 0-4 loss to Japan in the final match of Group C, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 finals, on the afternoon of 10/3. Photo: AFC

Adopting a highly defensive strategy, coach Mai Duc Chung made significant changes to the squad from the previous two matches. Players such as Khong Thi Hang, Thu Thuong, Hai Linh, Vu Thi Hoa, Thuy Hang were given starting roles. Vietnam concentrated on mass defense, launching only sporadic counterattacks that failed to threaten Japan's goal.

Following several missed opportunities, in the 21st minute, Hasegawa delivered a cross from the right wing. Ueki, the striker who plays for English club West Ham, precisely headed the ball into Vietnam's net, scoring the opening goal. Japan continued to create numerous dangerous chances, but goalkeeper Khong Thi Hang made crucial saves to deny them.

Had Vietnam maintained the 0-1 scoreline from the first half, their quarterfinal hopes would have remained alive. However, their aspirations were quickly dashed at the start of the second half. In the 51st, 64th, and 67th minutes, Japan's dynamic attacks overwhelmed Vietnam's defense, leading to three rapid goals.

Vietnam finished the tournament in third place in Group C. They also ranked third among the best-performing third-placed teams. Despite being level on points with the Philippines, Vietnam's goal difference of -4 was inferior to the Philippines' -2, preventing them from advancing to the quarterfinals.

This outcome came as a surprise for Vietnam. The team had prepared extensively for the tournament, benefiting from a schedule that pitted them against lower-ranked FIFA opponents before their match with Japan. However, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over India, followed by an unexpected 0-1 loss to Taiwan, put coach Chung's squad in a difficult position, ultimately leading to their group stage exit.

Losing to Japan 0-4 in the final match of Group C, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 finals, on the afternoon of 10/3, Vietnam failed to secure a quarterfinal spot, ending their World Cup hopes. Photo: AFC

The women's asian cup 2026 ran from 1/3 to 21/3 in three Australian cities: Sydney, Perth, and Gold Coast. Twelve national teams competed, divided into three groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advanced to the quarterfinals.

The four semifinalist teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The four teams defeated in the quarterfinals will compete in playoffs for two more qualification spots. Following this, the two teams that lose those playoffs will proceed to inter-confederation playoffs. They will join representatives from Africa, South America, North Central America (two), Oceania, and Europe (one) to contend for the final three World Cup berths in February 2027.

Starting Lineups

Vietnam: Khong Thi Hang, Thai Thi Thao, Diem My, Thu Thao, Tran Thi Duyen, Thu Thuong, Cu Thi Huynh Nhu, Van Su, Hai Linh, Vu Thi Hoa, Thuy Hang.

Japan: Yamashita, Shimizu, Takahashi, Kumagai, Kitagawa, Hasegawa, Nagano, Tanikawa, Hamano, Fujino, Ueki

Duc Dong